Dr. B
DRAGON GENETICS ONLINE ACTIVITY
Dragon genetics: We just learned that through meiosis, specialized cells (gametes) undergo a
reduction division where the DNA (organized into chromosomes) in the resulting cells are no longer
found in pairs. This occurs so that when fertilization happens, a pair of homologous chromosomes can
form in the fetus when the male/female chromosomes combine.
Genetics is the term we use for the passing down of these traits (located on chromosomes) to future
generations. The genetic information encoded in our DNA is known as our genotype and the way it is
expressed to show characteristics is known as the phenotype. In this activity, you will be investigating
the genetics of dragons. Have fun! To learn about dragon genetics, go to the following link and answer
the questions.
DRAGON GENETICS WEBSITE: http://www2.edc.org/weblabs/Dragon/dragons.html
PURPOSE: After this activity you should be able to:
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Distinguish between genotype and phenotype
Distinguish how differences in genotype can produce differences in phenotype
Understand that genes are located on chromosomes
Understand that genes can be located on sex chromosomes, which makes the characteristics
more likely to be seen in a certain gender
Understand how these genes can be passed on through heredity: through meiosis and
fertilization.
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
1) How many chromosomes do dragons have? ________
a. What are the sex chromosomes for males? ______
b. What are the sex chromosomes for females? ______
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The genetic makeup of the dragon is known as its _________________________.
The way that the dragon looks is called its _______________________.
Which genotype(s) would result in a dragon with horns? ______________
Which genotype would result in a dragon with 2 legs? _____________
How many different phenotypes are there for legs? _____________
Which genetic combination results in a green dragon? ______________
How many body colors are possible in dragons? ______________
If a male dragon did not have fire, what genotype(s) could he have?
________________________
10) If a female had the f allele on the X chromosome, would she have fire? ____________
After you are done with this activity, use your understanding of dragon genetics to modify the genes to
match the dragon hatchling with its parents.
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Dr. B
DRAGON GENETICS ONLINE ACTIVITY
REFLECTION: How did you do? What did you learn? (Review the purpose of the activity above).
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